Kelvin Harmon Fantasy Rookie Profile

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WR Kelvin Harmon Fantasy Profile

Harmon is one of my favorite prospects in a draft class full of exciting players. The 6’2″, 215 lbs wide receiver out of North Carolina State is getting some hype, but not nearly enough. Harmon produced 2 seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards for the Wolfpack, despite being in a run-first offense with mediocre quarterback play.

In 3 seasons, Harmon totaled 177 receptions for 2,665 receiving yards (15.1 yards/reception) and 16 touchdowns. He has a polished skillset that features freakish level athleticism and the ability to create separation at all levels of the field. Harmon will contribute quickly to an NFL offense (and your fantasy rosters) and is a top candidate for the 1.01 pick.

Measurements

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Age: 21 (22 as of the 2019 NFL season)

Fun Fact: A Consistent Catch

Kelvin Harmon has all of the makings of a PPR machine. In sophomore and junior seasons with the Wolfpack, he caught at least 5 catches in 16 of his 25 games. Harmon had at least 8 catches in 8 of those game and broke double-digit receptions 3 times.

NFL Combine Recap:

• 40 Yard Dash: 4.60
• Bench Press: 18
• Vertical Jump: 32.5″
• Broad Jump: 117.0″
• 3 Cone Drill: 7.15
• 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.32
• 60 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Harmon’s combine performance solidified what we already knew about him. His 40 time, 3 cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle is not impressive for the position, but that was clear on tape. He did show good strength for a wideout with 18 reps on the bench press. Additionally, he measured in with a 9.5″ handsize and 32.5″ arm length, both positive measurements for his position. His combine performance doesn’t boost his fantasy football value, or his draft stock, but it also should not hurt it. Instead, I would focus more on his tape-which I break down below.

 

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Harmon’s best strength is his handwork and positioning. Harmon has violent hands that allow him to create space immediately off the line of scrimmage. He also positions his frame well against defensive backs, using both his strength and subtle hand work to beat corners and safeties on nearly every jump ball.

He’s a great route runner. His tape shows a lot of curls, outs, slants and drags; he definitely feels more comfortable in the short field. Harmon’s footwork reminds you of your favorite point guard-he breaks the ankles of defenders with quick feet and hard sells. That footwork makes his comeback routes nearly undefendable.

Harmon has freakish athleticism. He has a nasty high point and should be considered amongst the top of the draft class in his ability to extend his body to make a catch. He consistently bails out his quarterback: he snags balls out of thin air with his long arms and reacts to passes thrown behind him in mid-air. He controls his body well, allowing him to haul in tight passes along the sideline and box out defenders over the middle of the field.

It’s not as exciting as high pointing a ball or breaking an ankle, but perhaps Harmon’s most valuable tool is his blocking. He aggressively engages with defensive backs and linebackers when asked. North Carolina State chose to run towards Harmon often, and it makes sense: he seals blocks well, drives defenders back with his strength, and has a high motor that drives his blocks through the whistle. This may not excite fantasy football players, but it will excite NFL coaches and allow Harmon to get on the field early in his career.

Harmon’s weakness is his lack of top end speed or acceleration. He can burn defenders but doesn’t do so consistently. Harmon rarely broke off big plays after the catch when snagging a catch underneath. Still, his handwork and footwork allow him to be a great possession receiver. Possession receivers are critical to fantasy football success, however, it limits Harmon’s upside-which is why some may fade the notion of him being the 1.01. Still, he’s well rounded and likely to see the field early-a very exciting prospect despite his weaknesses.

Best Fit: West Coast Offense

I think Harmon fits well in a variety of NFL offenses; his skill set is diverse and he could serve both as an “X” receiver or in an ancillary role. The West Coast offense focuses on a lot of short passes to open up the field for big plays. Harmon’s possession style skillset is perfect for drawing defenders up while he piles up PPR points. Harmon’s run blocking ability also makes him a great fit in a run-pass option (RPO) heavy offense.

Dynasty Factor: A PPR Dream

Harmon will be a dynasty asset for years to come. Although he may not have the ceiling of Metcalf or Rodney Anderson, he carries a lot less risk and has one of the highest floors in this draft class. Harmon played in 35 games over 3 seasons in Raleigh and consistently impacted his team, both inside and outside of the boxscore. I’ve mentioned he’s my 1.01, but you may be able to get him as low as 1.05 in rookie drafts-I would be shocked if he slid further than that.

He should come with good draft capital, too. I expect him to go off the board in the mid-late first round of April’s NFL Draft. Harmon’s high floor would be appreciated by Washington (15th overall pick) fans who have been cursed with wideout mediocrity since Pierre Garcon left town in his prime.  He would also fit well with Indianapolis’ (26th overall pick) west coast elements while opening up the field for Hilton to torch secondaries.

If he falls to Day 2, his skill set perfectly fits the 49ers’ (36th overall pick) blend of west coast and RPO scheme. I believe his absolute floor is as a compliment to Kenny Golladay in Detroit (43rd overall pick). These landing spots offer Harmon a wide range of opportunities and upside; I believe he produces as at least a WR3 in his first season with any of them. In an offense like the Colts’ or the 49ers’, he has the potential to be a yearly WR2 with WR1 upside.

Harmon has a nearly perfect fit: the Baltimore Ravens with the 22nd overall pick. The Ravens have committed to an offense that relies on Lamar Jackson working the short field, and a committee of running backs overwhelming opposing defense, while boring fantasy football players. That could lead to a high target volume for Harmon, but it would also mean a lot of blocking assignments and not a lot of red zone opportunities. This landing spot would be fantastic for Flock fans but would be a concern to his dynasty value.

Check out Gridiron Experts Dynasty Rookie Rankings.

 

 

 

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